Fulham have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Werder Bremen defender Ludwig Augustinsson, with the German club's sporting director dismissing claims the player will pitch up at Craven Cottage ahead of next season.

Baumann said: "Ludwig and the club have made it clear that nothing has changed and nothing will change."

Augustinsson made 29 appearances in the Bundesliga last season and 33 in all competitions. He started Sweden's first game at the World Cup against South Korea on Monday, and despite Baumann's comments, the Cottagers will be keeping a close eye on him for the next game against Germany.

The left-back has impressed since joining Bremen in 2017 from Copenhagen, and could be ready to make the step up to the Premier League with a move to Fulham.

Tom Procter

Tom is a Public Relations (Sports) graduate who has built up experience in digital football writing and original content production. He is fortunate enough to be a fan of Premier League champions Manchester City (and has been since before 2008, honest!). Also very partial to a cheeky pub quiz.